Payton Manning, Steph Curry, and Eli Manning made an announcement.
"Big Announcement": Peyton Manning, Steph Curry Share News on Tuesday originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Youth sports in America are facing a growing crisis, with participation rates falling and children leaving organized athletics earlier than ever. Experts say that a mix of excessive pressure, criticism from adults, and financial barriers is eroding the fun, confidence, and development that sports are meant to provide. Instead of fostering teamwork and joy, too many youth programs are becoming high-stress environments that drive kids away.
Studies and surveys point to troubling declines in sportsmanship and long-term engagement, raising concerns for both the physical and emotional health of young athletes.
Amid the ongoing crisis, ESPN Citizenship made an announcement featuring NFL legends Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, and NBA superstar Stephen Curry.
ESPN Makes Announcement on Tuesday
On Tuesday, ESPN rolled out its “Take Back Sports” initiative, unveiled through a new video ad in collaboration with the Manning brothers and Stephen Curry on Instagram.
“Eli and Peyton Manning are teaming up with Stephen Curry — and they have an important announcement,” the caption read.
The post included a video that featured both Manning brothers and Curry. Peyton Manning opened with a message.
"Big announcement today, we're taking back sports," he said.
The campaign is part of a broader effort led by ESPN and powered by Disney to reverse the decline in youth sports participation by promoting access, inclusion, and enjoyment.
Peyton, a five-time NFL MVP and Hall of Fame quarterback, and Eli, a two-time Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl MVP, are two of football’s biggest voices, bringing lots of credibility to the movement. Curry, a four-time NBA champion and two-time league MVP with the Golden State Warriors, adds further weight through his longstanding work with the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, which supports youth access to sports, nutrition, and education.
Why the Take Back Sports Initiative?
The need for action comes amid sobering statistics. Per the Take Back Sports website: Roughly 62 percent of children aged 6 to 12 do not regularly participate in sports, and the average age at which kids quit is just 11. About 68 percent of sports referees also believe sportsmanship is getting worse, a reflection of the negative atmosphere that has now marred youth games.
These trends stem from a mix of over-competitive environments, poor sideline behavior, and rising costs. Without intervention, fewer children will have the chance to enjoy the lifelong benefits of sports, from physical health and teamwork skills to the sense of community and personal growth athletics can provide.
The “Take Back Sports” announcement marks a high-profile push to change the culture of youth athletics. With the backing of major sports figures and national media, the initiative has the potential to spark lasting improvements—making sports a more positive and accessible experience for children across the United States.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
